Media Reflections 20th of August 2013

An overview of the stories in the Print Media of mainstream publications in Zimbabwe reflects the thinking and priorities of the elite group in the country who are focused a a few key VIPs.


The headline either reads Mugabe or Tsvangirai and the trend has been like that since early February of 2013. It is clear that the times we are living is that of serious life-changing political activities. These headlines always sets the agenda for the nation to discuss. I am of the opinion that the stories have been running yes but it is time to shift the focus and look at"where to from here as a people."

An average Zimbabwean is looking forward to a better livelihood, better access to loans for business and construction as well as to providing for family. Those who are studying and about to finish are looking forward to getting well paying jobs a great future whereas farmers are looking forward to a bumper harvest and a good marketing season for their produce. 

The media is turning a blind eye on other social activities in different parts of the country so much that its no longer reflective of the times we are in socially. The major focus on politics has taken a tole on the reader so much that they no longer think about anything rather than the issues raised in the papers.

There is a very powerful theory in mass-communication called the "Agenda Stetting" theory which describes a very powerful influence of the media and its ability to draw the attention of the receiver of messages to a given topics. This theory states that the media has the power to present images to the public. Once a topic is headlined people tend to want to know more about the headline and in the long run want to understand what is really going on.

I think the question of our future as a people should be highlighted. The impact of these political occasions on an average citizen and their livelihood should also be raised.